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You’ve gathered your tools. You’ve chosen the perfect plot of land. And, finally, the weather is beginning to come around. You’re ready to plant your very own backyard garden. Whether you’re growing the ingredients for your next great meal or flowers to brighten your home and yard all season long, we have all the necessities to activate your green thumb.

If you’re looking for flowers, using our scatter gardens is the simplest way to grow a variety of blossoms. Requiring nothing more than a sunny spot of soil and water, these packaged kits feature a range of flowers and many are designed to attract specific wildlife to your yard, like hummingbirds, songbirds, or butterflies. Others contain a variety of wildflowers or fragrant flowers to enhance the aesthetics of your yard and home. Simply find the right spot in your yard, scatter the seeds evenly, and water regularly. For protection from pets and other animals, you may also want to build a small enclosure to protect your new blooms.

Alongside your flowers, you might want a vegetable garden for homegrown, eco-friendly food and even more backyard beauty. When choosing plants for your backyard garden, consider the types of vegetables and herbs that will thrive in your location and climate. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Plant Hardiness Zones will help you determine which region you live in and what to plant. This will help maximize your garden’s production and success. For example, our home base in Baltimore is in USDA Zone 7B. That means we should plant things like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, thyme, and of course Maryland’s state flower, the Black-eyed Susan. According to the USDA, factors like light exposure, soil moisture, temperature range, duration of cold temperatures, and humidity will also factor into the success of certain plants in your garden. Visit USDA.gov to find your zone and for more information.

Once you’ve determined what plants will grow in your region, plan your garden space carefully, setting aside a portion for each plant. Consider the vegetables and herbs you will use most that will also be successful in your area. Versatile basics like cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and zucchinis will give you plenty of menu options for your homegrown cooking. Now you’re ready to plant your seed and look forward to your first harvest and your most sustainable cooking ever.